In this transformative moment, people across the country are talking about trans lives and looking for ways to support trans communities. Google Trends data shows that more people than ever are searching for the phrases “black trans organizations,” “trans activists,” “how to be a good ally,” and searches for “black trans lives matter” are ten times higher in 2020 than any other year. Even President Biden included trans people in his victory speech on November 7, 2020.
DISCLOSURE provides a framework for critical conversations with students, lawyers, judges, grassroots activists, human resource departments, and the entertainment industry. Our unique trans filmmaker fellowship models how to create equitable life chances for trans people. Our impact has been far-reaching and will continue to push the needle at a time when the country is hungry and open to learning like we have never seen before. DISCLOSURE is both an educational tool and a catalyst for social and behavioral change. DISCLOSURE confronts the history of transgender representation to show the roots of stereotypes and stigma. The DISCLOSURE impact campaign provides context to uplift the multifaceted experiences of trans people.
CAMPAIGN RESULTS BY THE NUMBERS
155+ DISCLOSURE events have generated more than 1,840,400 views across social media platforms, high schools, universities, corporations, medical providers, and nonprofits.
AMPLIFY TRANS VOICES
94%
of audience members surveyed are more likely to intervene if they hear a transphobic remark or see a transphobic action.
91%
of audience members surveyed will consider trans issues as a priority when they vote.
EDUCATE AUDIENCES ABOUT MEDIA LITERACY
96%
of audience members surveyed said DISCLOSURE increased their knowledge of the history of trans representation in film and television.
93%
of audience members surveyed reported that after watching DISCLOSURE they are questioning and thinking more critically about media.
“Do yourself a favor. And watch this ASAP. I was so moved. I was educated. I was transformed. Thank you Laverne Cox for being brave enough to hold this industry accountable for the way Hollywood portrays the trans community. There’s still work to be done.”
—Lena Waithe, screenwriter, producer, actress
“DISCLOSURE was so helpful in me understanding this is about more than representation & agency in storytelling—it's about ending the subtly powerful message that trans people are ‘pretending’ instead of being who they truly are. A must see for cis folks who don't understand.”
—Brittany Packnett Cunningham, activist, writer, MSNBC contributor
“This doc is beautiful, eye opening and REALLY well made. It changed how I look at the movies I've seen and changed how I'll make movies from now on.”
—Ryan Reynolds , actor, producer
“DISCLOSURE on Netflix is generous and sharp and loving and should be required viewing for ALL. I'm grateful for the continued education, and for the courage of everyone who made it, including a lot of my good friends and personal heroes.”
—Jay Duplass, actor, producer
“A highly necessary education and celebration of the trans experience. Thank you for this beautiful film.”
—Charlize Theron, actress
DISCLOSURE is already having an impact on the entertainment industry, the judicial system, in universities, and HR departments across the country.
HERE'S WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED:
People are hungry for this content. The trailer has been viewed over a million times on social media in less than five months, and the film has over 40,000 followers across platforms.
Intersectionality Matters. We must seek opportunities to continue to leverage the visibility of the film, its creative collaborators, and community partner organizations, to support the work of frontline trans leaders.
DISCLOSURE was released at the height of Black Lives Matter protests across the globe. Appearing on high profile media outlets to promote the film, Laverne Cox spoke brilliantly about the need to center Black Trans Lives Matter and intersectionality in representation. Taking this messaging to The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Al Roker on NBC News, The View, Live with Kelly and Ryan has been remarkable, and is already having a major cultural impact.
We are continuing these conversations through DISCLOSURE Chats, featuring community partners in conversation with Laverne Cox, director Sam Feder, and the cast. Netflix hosted a conversation on the #BlackTransLivesMatter movement moderated by Opal Tometi (BLM co-founder) featuring Laverne Cox, Yance Ford, and Tre’Vell Anderson.Casting is a major opportunity to influence public perception of trans people. When Halle Berry recently tweeted that she was taking on a trans role, we contacted her team and encouraged them to reconsider. Within 48 hours of watching DISCLOSURE, Ms. Berry decided to step away from that role, understanding the importance of having accurate trans representation in the film.
Dignity in representation can lead to dignified treatment in the courtroom. From the legal system, the California Judges Association used DISCLOSURE to discuss transgender discrimination and the interaction between the justice system and the trans community. Similarly, an attorney from the ACLU watched DISCLOSURE as preparation to defend a client.